Watch these three Fall 2022 Scholarship Winners pursue lifelong professions!
Those who are highly motivated are often inspired by individuals, a mission, or a vivid, lifelong dream. The three winners below have each chosen to make big differences in their lives, based on those very callings, and the wisdom they have learned.
Nyria G. Mustiful
Nyria, a 2022 Graduate of Madison Preparatory Academy, in Baton Rouge, LA, is now registered at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she is on the path to earning her Bachelor’s Degree in English, with a concentration in Creative Writing.
There are two inspirational reasons Nyria is eager to make a difference in her life. First, her grandfather’s stories about working and saving money so he could attend college, and his words, again and again over the years that “. . .this country may try to take a lot away from us, but they can’t take away our education.” Second, “Ever since I was little,” Nyria says, “I loved to read and write. My grandmother taught me how to read very early, in Kindergarten, I was placed in the First-Grade reading class because I had surpassed my fellow classmates. I had always been told I was a good writer; however, it wasn’t until high school that I finally saw it for myself. Now, the thought of being able to have a hand in creating a book that another little girl can fall in love with is incomparable to anything else!”
When the Scholarship Application asked Nyria what inspired her about the 431 Exchange her words of wisdom were, “Education is more powerful than people think. If that notion spread more, especially in the African American community, the world would be a better place.”
Layla Williams
A 2021 Ponchatoula High School graduate, Layla registered right away at Southeastern Louisiana University, in Hammond, LA. Her major field of study is Psychology or, more specifically, Industrial / Organizational Psychology, which she will earn by the Fall of 2025.
Layla’s inspiration is, “Seeing people share their passion and collaborate with others inspires me. It reminds me that it is possible to create a community in which people thrive!” Layla went on to say that her primary focus is researching and improving workplace dynamics, educating business executives on the importance of inclusion, and how to lead a diverse group of employees successfully. “To develop an inclusive work environment, one must value inclusion.”
Marissa Duncan
Marissa graduated from George W. Carver High School, in New Orleans, LA, in 2009. She received her Phlebotomy Certificate in 2014 and is currently enrolled in Nunez Community College, in Chalmette, LA, where she is studying Practical Nursing with an anticipated graduation date of early December this year.
Marissa’s children inspire her to make a difference in her life and to be the best role model she can be for them. As she put it, “I want to show them that even though life gets hard, we keep pushing and striving for our goals. My kids inspire me to dream big and pursue every dream!”
When asked what appealed to her most about her field of study, she told us this, “I have always wanted to be able to help people. When my son was diagnosed with his heart condition, I was even more certain that I wanted to be someone who made a difference in peoples’ lives, even if it was just putting a smile on their face! Becoming a nurse means a lot to me.”
A look at the recommendations these three women were given by teachers, mentors, church leaders, and employers described them as having positive, warm personalities, being scholastically-motivated, willing to help, and having leadership skills. And, those providing the recommendations often described themselves as being excited for these women’s growth as students and the impact they will have in their professions!